We all may surmise how difficult process is to get rid of an oil rig. Many of you might have heard of the problem connected with Brent Spar. In 1991, Shell’s authorities decided to end its life. During a year there had been carried analysis of how most efficiently and with the least damage to the environment its life should have been ended. Studies commissioned by Shell in research institutes and universities indicated that the best and least harmful method of getting rid of the platform is its submergence on the open sea. The decision was taken after consultation with the relevant British authorities and approved by them in February 1995.
Month later Greenpeace has released a statement on the sinking of Brent Spar. Its tone was clear. Shell’s management unsuccessfully attempted to engage a dialogue relying on experts opinions, which made it clear that such solution is the best for the environment.
Greenpeace went from words to actions an occupied the platform. All battle was showed in media and media clamor soon swept through Europe. In Germany there have been 200 attacks on Shell gas stations, including setting two bombs and one case of firing.
These incidents caused the fact that Shell relented and gave up the plans to sink Brant Spar. The oil rig was towed to Norway and there pulled down. After that came to light a lie of Greenpeace. Their crowning argument was that the platform tanks contained more than 5,500 tons of oil, which was not true.
There comes the question. If this is so complicated to pull down an oil rig, perhaps we should use it in another way. But how? Let’s read some ideas. Many of them may seems impracticable for you, but some are really worth your attention.

1. A stunning place to visit on holiday.

Picture checking into this luxurious resort: surrounded by crystal clear seas, with water sports on tap and one heck of a rooftop pool. In 2009, these designs won Morris Architects a $10,000 prize for Radical Innovation in Hospitality. Their proposal sees an oil rig transformed into a plush holiday resort, complete with palm trees, glossy lobby and spa. All holidaymakers love hotels with sea views and this would take that concept to the next level – and transform an industrial building into a thing of beauty.

Seems incredible? Have you known that is does already exist? Less than an hour from Houston, Texas there is a place situated on the retired jack-up drilling rig, called Offshore Energy Center. There you can visit museum, attend in scout programs, overnight programs and even buy some oil field gifts for your family.

Luxurious homes with a sea breeze and incredible ocean views. Sadly, they don’t exist yet – but that doesn’t mean they won’t. The vision of two Malaysian architects Ku Yee Kee and Hor Sue Wern to transform oil platforms into luxurious apartments won an award in a skyscraper competition in 2011. Their idea also includes eco-friendly equipment like wind farms and subaqua spaces for marine biology research.

Enjoy the reading and stay tuned!

Nowadays the role of Liquefied Natural Gas in international trade is steadily rising. Let’s find out about the fuel, which has a great chance to enter a global market and stay there for longer.

LNG- Liquefied Natural Gas- natural gas, converted to liquid form in order to facilitate transport and storage in areas beyond the reach of traditional gas networks. It is a colorless, odorless and non-toxic compound. Its octane number is 130.

The condensation process is conducted in liquefaction terminals, where natural gas is cooled to the boiling point of methane- -162ᵒC. As a result its volume is reduced of more than 600 times the normal size.
Moreover, liquefied natural gas is subjected to a purification operation from carbon dioxide, nitrogen and heavier hydrocarbons.
The next step is pumping LNG from large cryogenic tanks into methane carriers, which will deliver the fuel to recipients all over the world.
Having reached the regasification terminal, LNG is transported into large tanks, where it is heated until it transforms to the gaseous state. Now it’s convenient to inject it in the gas pipeline network.

Advantages

TransportAfter compression LNG takes up to 600 times less space than in its gaseous state, which makes it feasible to transport over long distances. The distribution is based on using methane carriers, cisterns and rail.

EcologyLiquefied Natural Gas consists of 95% of methane with a small fraction of other components, so the fuel is very clean. Its purity results from compression process when water, carbon dioxide and liquid hydrocarbons are removed. It emits almost 50% less CO2 during the combustion process in comparison with hard coal or lignite. What is more, it produces three times less contaminants than diesel oil.

Energetic safetyNowadays it’s crucial for countries, which don’t have its own natural resources to ensure constant energy supplies. Thanks to LNG it’s possible to become an independent importer with variety of offers from gas producers all over the world.

Non-corrosiveInstallations which use LNG are more durable than traditional.

SafetyLNG is non-toxic substance. It evaporates and disperses in the atmosphere when exposed to air. It does not contaminate water or soil but spreads like natural gas. Transport and storage issues meets the highest safety standards.

Drawbacks

Capital intensityInvestments related to the construction of import and export terminals require big financial resources, because such projects need using highest quality materials, what is very expensive.

Complicated technological process

The necessity of employing highly qualified staff

LNG applications

Heating purposes

Power generation in gas powered plants

Fuel for car engines, propelling ships and locomotives

Refinery and petrochemical industry

World

Nowadays there are about 100 import terminals in the world. The leader in LNG import is Asia, where the biggest regasification terminals are located. Japan has the highest number of such constructions- over 30, whereas South Korea is the owner of largest plant for processing liquefied gas, it’s called Incheon. The main exporter is Qatar. In 2011 it sold 74 million ton of natural gas. The second place goes to Malaysia (24 million ton export).
It is predicted that in the nearest future the global market will be enriched with new countries- USA, which plans to condensate shale gas, and Australia, which now has 3 export terminals but is building 3 new in order to increase its potential.
Main transport routes go through the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean and across the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. Shipment from Alaska is directed to Japan across the Pacific Ocean.

Europe

Three biggest importers in Europe are France, Great Britain and Spain, which bring LNG from numerous producers, e.g. France has 11 suppliers.
Central and Eastern Europe is now out of international trade because in this region for decades governments have been focused on developing pipeline network. As a result required infrastructure does not exist there. But lately some new investments has been started, e.g. in Poland- a new LNG Terminal in Świnoujście is being built.

Conclusion

The growing importance of LNG in recent years is associated with a general increase in demand for natural gas. It is ecological and efficient fuel, so there’s a big chance of success in the future.

2014 is a pivotal year for Ireland’s oil and gas industry, with exploration of key prospects underway and a new licensing round due to commence in just a few weeks’ time. The mood at the 2nd Ireland Oil & Gas Summit was one of enthusiasm and excitement, and a feeling that perhaps Ireland will soon be firmly placed on the global map of oil and gas.

With more than 120 delegates in attendance from more than 80 companies and organisations, the meeting brought together an exceptional cross-section of companies and individuals with a vested interest in realising Ireland’s hydrocarbon potential. IRN gathered an exceptional panel of speakers from Woodside, Providence, Nalcor Oil & Gas, Petrel Resources, Belize Natural Energy, Lansdowne Oil and Gas, Infrastrata, Fastnet Oil & Gas, and Europa Oil & Gas amongst others, who provided attendees with detailed analysis of present state of the oil and gas industry across Ireland. The meeting was opened on the first day by Ciarán Ó hÓbáin, the Principal Officer of the Petroleum Affairs Division of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Ireland. His presentation gave delegates a sound overview of exploration of Ireland to date and the Country’s regulatory regime. Marie Cowan, the Director of Geological Survey from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment of Northern Ireland gave a significant update on the status of oil and gas exploration in Northern Ireland on the afternoon of Day 1.